Refrigerated transport services are the lifeblood of many vital products, especially in the summer months when sweltering temperatures make dry van and container usage untenable. While truck is the primary - and perhaps first thought-of - mode related to food, beverage and other cold transport, refrigeration is also not only available via intermodal with InTek, but this method offers reliable reefer capacity that can save money and worry.
What makes a refrigerated transport company stand out?
There are plenty of options among refrigerated transport companies, but many of them are remarkably similar. So how does a company like InTek stand out? It starts with our unwavering commitment to service - every customer gets a single operational point of contact, ensuring personalized support and open, proactive communication every step of the way. That single contact is also backed by an experienced team, so there's never a moment when a shipment is ignored.
As intermodal is our specialty, we have a proven track record leveraging our direct relationships with Class 1 Railroads to make reefer transport happen at scale. We - and therefore you - can take advantage of the scheduling , capacity and fuel efficiency capabilities of temperature controlled intermodal.
Addressing a common worry about refrigerated loads, we use the latest technology to monitor location, temperature and more, ensuring we (and you) know where your products are and their condition throughout the journey. The icing on the cake, is that as much as we tout intermodal, if there is a situation in which truckload is more practical or better priced, we can make that happen as well with our vast trucking connections as a third-party logistics provider.
Intermodal refrigerated container solutions
In discussing the fact that refrigerated freight can travel via road and rail combo - rather than just in a truck - it may beg the question for some about how. The answer? Reefer intermodal containers, which offer a number of benefits, including roughly two to three times the capacity of the tanks on refrigerated trailers, plus:
- 24/7 satellite tracking
- Internal temperature monitoring
- Ability to remotely change the temperature of the containers in transit
Intermodal Container on Flatcar (COFC) sizing
| Loadable Interior Length | 605 in | Load Weight Limit | 42,500 lbs |
| Loadable Interior Width | 97.25 in | Pallet Spaces (40" L x 48" W) | 30-single/60-double stacked |
| Loadable Interior Height | 97.5 In | Pallet Spaces (48" L x 48" W) | 24-single/48-double stacked |
From a cost-efficiency standpoint, container-on-flatcar (COFC) provides shippers with a real financial advantage over both traditional truckload and trailer-on-flatcar (TOFC) moves. Double stacking COFC containers maximizes space and dramatically improves the economics of every trip.
Plus, these intermodal containers come equipped with advanced wireless location tracking, delivering full transparency on every shipment. Operators can monitor and control the refrigeration unit in real time - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - including making temperature adjustments while loads are in transit. That means less stress, more peace of mind, and products that arrive exactly as intended.
Products requiring refrigerated transportation
A wide variety of products may need refrigerated transportation, whether it's necessary to keep them at a consistent cold temperature, at freezing, or on the other end of the spectrum, keep them at a consistent level of heat. Some products require refrigeration at all times, while others only need it during periods of extreme temperature - like a hot summer or a cold winter.
Here are some examples of goods that could require refrigeration:
- Produce
- Meat
- Dairy
- Beverages
- Pharmaceuticals
- Nutraceuticals
- Makeup
- Batteries
- Electronics
For various reasons, these products can be damaged if exposed to certain conditions. And while time is always a factor as well (especially for fresh food/beverage products), the key most often is temperature maintenance - something that intermodal can accomplish as well as truckload.
Why choose temperature-controlled intermodal?
Temperature-controlled intermodal is a smart choice for shippers looking to balance efficiency, sustainability, and reliability. With container on flatcar (COFC), you gain greater capacity for your temperature-sensitive freight, plus the power of cost savings and reduced emissions that long-haul rail brings to the table.
At InTek, we help you ship with confidence, knowing your products are protected, your budget is respected, and your supply chain is ready for whatever the road—or rail—throws your way. Ready to get started? Reach out to us by requesting a quote, and we'll discuss how we can help you achieve your refrigerated shipping goals. For more information about InTek Intermodal, or the logistics and supply chain space in general, check out our Freight Guides.
